EIFS Repair
What Causes EIFS Damage & How it’s Repaired
An Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) is a multi-layered exterior wall that’s popular for its ease of installation and ability to insulate and protect a building. EIFS also provides a decorative finish that can replicate architectural styles such as stucco, brick, stone, and siding.
As with most building exteriors, structural and aesthetic damages are commonly caused by rain, moisture in the air, or water infiltration due to cracks in the outermost layer. Through time, the finish coating can wear off or produce cracks big enough to expose the reinforcing mesh, which is the layer just under the base coat of the system (as seen in the picture to the left).
Damages noticeable enough to affect the aesthetics of the building are usually what causes building managers to call for re-coating. At this point, however, actual repair may need to take place before the application of a new coat.
At Pro Window, EIFS repair consists of 4 main steps: cleaning, prepping, priming, and coating.
Cleaning – During the cleaning phase, we will use a low pressure washer to rinse off any dirt.
Prepping – Prepping the surface will enable us to repair any cracks or damages under the coating, making sure to match the texture of the repair to the rest of the surface.
Priming – Priming the surface with a base coat will improve the mechanical bond of the finish to the underlying layer.
Coating – The highly durable top coat is not only meant to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish, but also to keep water out, and protect the rest of the layers of the EIFS.
Our recommendation for building managers is to re-coat EIFS every 10 years.
EIFS Repair – Richmond, VA
Our latest EIFS re-coating project took place at the Beaufont Towers in Richmond, VA. The Beaufont Towers is a retirement community in Richmond founded in 1984. After years of wear and tear, the building’s EIFS needed a refresh. Pro Window applied Dow Corning® AllGuard Silicone Elastomeric Coating, a highly durable top coat designed to protect the interior and endure any shifts or wall movement with its elastometric properties. View the case study here!
Before EIFS Repair / Re-coating
After EIFS Repair / Re-coating
